As the first digitally native generation, Gen Zers are used to social media being a vital part of the way they communicate. While increasing online behaviors can have their pitfalls, Locket is one app helping to foster more meaningful offline connections that take place outside of social media.

Digitally fluent Gen Zers are searching for more offline connections with loved ones. Many are only on social media to stay in touch with friends and family, so there's an opportunity to foster IRL relationships and activities that help young people embrace digital downtime away from screens.

College students are losing interest in dating apps, with fewer turning to them to find dates and form relationships. It comes as younger generations, who have suffered loneliness crises, especially following the pandemic, are looking to connect offline, away from their phones.

In the US, Gen Zers are the loneliest generation. While always-on digital communities are frequently blamed, pandemic lockdowns and turbulent world events have also taken their toll. What can brands do to help people foster deeper connections and more enriching relationships?